Monday, March 21, 2011
Finally back!!!
So, i´ve just postd whats been happening to me in the last 3 months- goes back to just after the pictures I posted... its a lot to catch up on, so i hope it gives you something to do until i find internet again :)
March 20th
My REDES girls are getting so excited about our meetings- at every meeting they ask if we can have a meeting the following day because they don’t want to wait. On Thursday, they invited themselves over on Friday to make hair clips. On Friday they decided we were going to play soccer on Saturday. And on Saturday they made a meeting to talk about what we’d do for Woman’s Day, in April. They are fantastic. I really hope their enthusiasm stays strong.
The soccer game was a blast. At first I wasn’t sure how it’d work out- I had 5 girls there at first, so I had to play. And it attracted some attention, let me say. As the afternoon went on more and more girls came and played- after two hours we had 18 girls. It was so wonderful to see them having such a good time! (plus after awhile I didn’t have to play anymore).
The soccer game was a blast. At first I wasn’t sure how it’d work out- I had 5 girls there at first, so I had to play. And it attracted some attention, let me say. As the afternoon went on more and more girls came and played- after two hours we had 18 girls. It was so wonderful to see them having such a good time! (plus after awhile I didn’t have to play anymore).
March 16th
Sweet words
I just received such an encouraging email.
I’ve always thought that I wouldn’t be able to know the impact I’m having during my service and I’ve never expected to really see much agradecimento, thanks. Here’s the email I just received from a host brother of another volunteer from my group. Note- it was written in Portuguese and I’m translating...
‘Hello teacher Anna! A long time has past since I’ve wanted to write you but I didn’t have your email. With all the years that pass, I will still write to know that you have rich health. Are you still teaching English? How is your work going? Before I forget, how are the other teachers Tim, Tim, Erica and Diana- are they still teaching? At this moment I’m taking advantage of (making the most of) all that you taught me, especially when we played Bingo! I liked it so much. However, I don’t have enough to give you to show my thanks, but I have you in my heart, no matter where I go you will be with me. I will never forget you and your lessons. I wish you every success in your work, and say hello to the others for me. Thank you for everything. From your student, Adriano from Namaacha.’
I will note, I believe he liked my lesson on family vocabulary (and BINGO) because he won and had his picture taken. This email comes as a complete surprise- I haven’t been back to Namaacha since training and I haven’t had any contact with Adriano or any of my other students. Even though I only taught him English during a two week period, apparently I made an impression and he actually learned during my classes (more than I can say for some of my current students). This email totally makes my week/ month. It’s not easy going day to day knowing your students don’t care about your class or care to study, but to hear from a student I had briefly, 16 months ago, makes me smile. It gives me hope. And I honestly need it right now.
I just received such an encouraging email.
I’ve always thought that I wouldn’t be able to know the impact I’m having during my service and I’ve never expected to really see much agradecimento, thanks. Here’s the email I just received from a host brother of another volunteer from my group. Note- it was written in Portuguese and I’m translating...
‘Hello teacher Anna! A long time has past since I’ve wanted to write you but I didn’t have your email. With all the years that pass, I will still write to know that you have rich health. Are you still teaching English? How is your work going? Before I forget, how are the other teachers Tim, Tim, Erica and Diana- are they still teaching? At this moment I’m taking advantage of (making the most of) all that you taught me, especially when we played Bingo! I liked it so much. However, I don’t have enough to give you to show my thanks, but I have you in my heart, no matter where I go you will be with me. I will never forget you and your lessons. I wish you every success in your work, and say hello to the others for me. Thank you for everything. From your student, Adriano from Namaacha.’
I will note, I believe he liked my lesson on family vocabulary (and BINGO) because he won and had his picture taken. This email comes as a complete surprise- I haven’t been back to Namaacha since training and I haven’t had any contact with Adriano or any of my other students. Even though I only taught him English during a two week period, apparently I made an impression and he actually learned during my classes (more than I can say for some of my current students). This email totally makes my week/ month. It’s not easy going day to day knowing your students don’t care about your class or care to study, but to hear from a student I had briefly, 16 months ago, makes me smile. It gives me hope. And I honestly need it right now.
March 15th
Time
I’m teaching how to tell time on a circular clock to my 8th and 9th graders. I assumed they’d be able to tell time by the age of 14 (or 20) but I was wrong... However, although it’s frustrating, the thing I find the most amusing is how long it takes them to draw a clock. They are such perfectionists! For my lesson they needed to draw 5 circles on their paper, and fill in the clocks with the correct time. They ALL whipped out their protractors or coins so their circles were just perfect, and then a ruler to make sure the spacing was correct between each number... I just wanted them to make circles! It was hilarious when I had them come to the board to correct their homework today- four students trying to draw circles without the help of a protractor. They kept erasing and starting over, redo this part, fix that part, redraw these numbers... just to correct homework!! At least I got a laugh out of it.
I’m teaching how to tell time on a circular clock to my 8th and 9th graders. I assumed they’d be able to tell time by the age of 14 (or 20) but I was wrong... However, although it’s frustrating, the thing I find the most amusing is how long it takes them to draw a clock. They are such perfectionists! For my lesson they needed to draw 5 circles on their paper, and fill in the clocks with the correct time. They ALL whipped out their protractors or coins so their circles were just perfect, and then a ruler to make sure the spacing was correct between each number... I just wanted them to make circles! It was hilarious when I had them come to the board to correct their homework today- four students trying to draw circles without the help of a protractor. They kept erasing and starting over, redo this part, fix that part, redraw these numbers... just to correct homework!! At least I got a laugh out of it.
March 14th
I had a REDES meeting this weekend- only about 10 girls came, but still a pretty good turnout. Catia, one of my girls from last year who’s now in 11th grade, helped facilitate the group, and she was fantastic- so knowledgeable and confident. Also, a teacher from the primary school who was one of my night students last year also came. She wants to help facilitate. I’m really thinking this might take off!
Today I had a meeting with Moises, the student who had PCVs at teacher-training school, and we set up a plan to get our journalism group going at the school. I mentioned it to some students a few weeks back and they keep coming up to me- “Teacher Ana, when do we start English club? When are we going to learn about journalism?”(Their English usually isn’t that good, let’s be honest). It’s so great to have not only motivated and interested students but also counterparts, other teachers and members of the community, that want to get things moving and get people learning.
Today I had a meeting with Moises, the student who had PCVs at teacher-training school, and we set up a plan to get our journalism group going at the school. I mentioned it to some students a few weeks back and they keep coming up to me- “Teacher Ana, when do we start English club? When are we going to learn about journalism?”(Their English usually isn’t that good, let’s be honest). It’s so great to have not only motivated and interested students but also counterparts, other teachers and members of the community, that want to get things moving and get people learning.
March 6th
MOVING
Yesterday I ran into Gina, the woman we has practically adopted me here in my town, and she informed me that she and her entire family were moving- today. She said they got a great opportunity to open a store and live in a bigger house and so they’re taking it. Thankfully the town is only about 40 km away, not too bad. So, today we all loaded into the back of an open bed truck with their things and went to see and clean the new house. The day in and of itself was normal- sweeping, washing, arranging, fixing- but some things I found pretty different. In the states, when you help someone move or clean up a house, you typically work and then order pizza or take out or something. Here they don’t have that luxury. When we got to the house, I was sent with one of the daughters to start preparing launche (snake time). We had to set up the grill, track down carvao (charcoal), buy bread, boil water, and clean dishes (note- the stove and dishes we brought with us). As we were doing those things we started preparing lunch. This is still at about 8:30 in the morning. So, we gut the fish (we’d brought with us), clean them, peel potatoes, cut tomatoes, fry the fish, cook the rice... I sat cooking lunch with two other girls for almost 4 hours. I wasn’t allowed to help clean (still not sure why) and to be honest I pretty much just watched them cook. At about 1:30 the rest of the family (4 adults and several kids) calmed down and we had lunch. After, we cleaned dishes, threw out the used carvao, and loaded everything back up into the truck. The thing that I find amusing- I thought we were taking all that stuff to their new house, to get things started, and I was there to help clean. Apparently I was just an extra set up eyes to make lunch and everything in the back of the truck was to prepare a meal for 10 people (6 of whom didn’t help clean). Quite the production if you ask me!!
Yesterday I ran into Gina, the woman we has practically adopted me here in my town, and she informed me that she and her entire family were moving- today. She said they got a great opportunity to open a store and live in a bigger house and so they’re taking it. Thankfully the town is only about 40 km away, not too bad. So, today we all loaded into the back of an open bed truck with their things and went to see and clean the new house. The day in and of itself was normal- sweeping, washing, arranging, fixing- but some things I found pretty different. In the states, when you help someone move or clean up a house, you typically work and then order pizza or take out or something. Here they don’t have that luxury. When we got to the house, I was sent with one of the daughters to start preparing launche (snake time). We had to set up the grill, track down carvao (charcoal), buy bread, boil water, and clean dishes (note- the stove and dishes we brought with us). As we were doing those things we started preparing lunch. This is still at about 8:30 in the morning. So, we gut the fish (we’d brought with us), clean them, peel potatoes, cut tomatoes, fry the fish, cook the rice... I sat cooking lunch with two other girls for almost 4 hours. I wasn’t allowed to help clean (still not sure why) and to be honest I pretty much just watched them cook. At about 1:30 the rest of the family (4 adults and several kids) calmed down and we had lunch. After, we cleaned dishes, threw out the used carvao, and loaded everything back up into the truck. The thing that I find amusing- I thought we were taking all that stuff to their new house, to get things started, and I was there to help clean. Apparently I was just an extra set up eyes to make lunch and everything in the back of the truck was to prepare a meal for 10 people (6 of whom didn’t help clean). Quite the production if you ask me!!
March 6th
MOVING
Yesterday I ran into Gina, the woman we has practically adopted me here in my town, and she informed me that she and her entire family were moving- today. She said they got a great opportunity to open a store and live in a bigger house and so they’re taking it. Thankfully the town is only about 40 km away, not too bad. So, today we all loaded into the back of an open bed truck with their things and went to see and clean the new house. The day in and of itself was normal- sweeping, washing, arranging, fixing- but some things I found pretty different. In the states, when you help someone move or clean up a house, you typically work and then order pizza or take out or something. Here they don’t have that luxury. When we got to the house, I was sent with one of the daughters to start preparing launche (snake time). We had to set up the grill, track down carvao (charcoal), buy bread, boil water, and clean dishes (note- the stove and dishes we brought with us). As we were doing those things we started preparing lunch. This is still at about 8:30 in the morning. So, we gut the fish (we’d brought with us), clean them, peel potatoes, cut tomatoes, fry the fish, cook the rice... I sat cooking lunch with two other girls for almost 4 hours. I wasn’t allowed to help clean (still not sure why) and to be honest I pretty much just watched them cook. At about 1:30 the rest of the family (4 adults and several kids) calmed down and we had lunch. After, we cleaned dishes, threw out the used carvao, and loaded everything back up into the truck. The thing that I find amusing- I thought we were taking all that stuff to their new house, to get things started, and I was there to help clean. Apparently I was just an extra set up eyes to make lunch and everything in the back of the truck was to prepare a meal for 10 people (6 of whom didn’t help clean). Quite the production if you ask me!!
Yesterday I ran into Gina, the woman we has practically adopted me here in my town, and she informed me that she and her entire family were moving- today. She said they got a great opportunity to open a store and live in a bigger house and so they’re taking it. Thankfully the town is only about 40 km away, not too bad. So, today we all loaded into the back of an open bed truck with their things and went to see and clean the new house. The day in and of itself was normal- sweeping, washing, arranging, fixing- but some things I found pretty different. In the states, when you help someone move or clean up a house, you typically work and then order pizza or take out or something. Here they don’t have that luxury. When we got to the house, I was sent with one of the daughters to start preparing launche (snake time). We had to set up the grill, track down carvao (charcoal), buy bread, boil water, and clean dishes (note- the stove and dishes we brought with us). As we were doing those things we started preparing lunch. This is still at about 8:30 in the morning. So, we gut the fish (we’d brought with us), clean them, peel potatoes, cut tomatoes, fry the fish, cook the rice... I sat cooking lunch with two other girls for almost 4 hours. I wasn’t allowed to help clean (still not sure why) and to be honest I pretty much just watched them cook. At about 1:30 the rest of the family (4 adults and several kids) calmed down and we had lunch. After, we cleaned dishes, threw out the used carvao, and loaded everything back up into the truck. The thing that I find amusing- I thought we were taking all that stuff to their new house, to get things started, and I was there to help clean. Apparently I was just an extra set up eyes to make lunch and everything in the back of the truck was to prepare a meal for 10 people (6 of whom didn’t help clean). Quite the production if you ask me!!
March 4th
Christina is back! I was getting very worried; I’ve been asking my neighbors every day for news about her condition and when she might be home. Every response was inconclusive and occasionally very scary. This afternoon, a little girl sombrely came up to my house and told me that the neighbor needed to speak to me about Christina, it was serious. My heart almost fell out of my stomach as I walked next door but once I sat I was told she would be coming home and just needed some financial help. Unfortunately I was unable to accommodate, but within an hour Christina was back and sitting on my couch, telling me she was still weak but feeling much better, happy to see the two faces of her beautiful children.
March 2nd
Funeral
Today was the day of Dona Joana’s funeral. It was for the most part what I expected, very much like a funeral in the states. After teaching two classes in the morning, we went to her house for the ceremony. I arrive just as they started singing and speaking. The men and women seemed to be separated again, and it was the women who did the singing. A priest spoke for a bit in Changana, and then Dona Joana’s casket was brought out. People came up to her and spoke a bit, and the entire crowd broke into tears as her eldest daughter spoke. The top of the casket was folded down and people walked past, viewing the body, and spraying her face with some sort of mist. Because I was myself (I arrived without the other teachers) I didn’t feel comfortable elbowing my way through the crown to view the body. After the whole crowd, including many students, passed by, the crowd piled into about 20 cars (in the backs of trucks) and drove to the cemetery. I walked along with many other students and teachers. Once at the cemetery I stood back in the shade so I couldn’t see or hear exactly what was happening, but I can only assume more reading, singing, and lowering the casket into the ground. Plants and flowers were handed out to some people in the crowd to decorate the grave after it was covered. As we all left the cemetery I realized how many people were gathered it had to be close to 300. As I walked away I could see a sea of people in both directions. It was very impressive. I guess many people went back to her house afterwards and they were told how she died and what from, but I didn’t feel the need. All in all it was a very pleasant ceremony. Joana obviously affected many peoples’ lives and she will be missed greatly.
Today was the day of Dona Joana’s funeral. It was for the most part what I expected, very much like a funeral in the states. After teaching two classes in the morning, we went to her house for the ceremony. I arrive just as they started singing and speaking. The men and women seemed to be separated again, and it was the women who did the singing. A priest spoke for a bit in Changana, and then Dona Joana’s casket was brought out. People came up to her and spoke a bit, and the entire crowd broke into tears as her eldest daughter spoke. The top of the casket was folded down and people walked past, viewing the body, and spraying her face with some sort of mist. Because I was myself (I arrived without the other teachers) I didn’t feel comfortable elbowing my way through the crown to view the body. After the whole crowd, including many students, passed by, the crowd piled into about 20 cars (in the backs of trucks) and drove to the cemetery. I walked along with many other students and teachers. Once at the cemetery I stood back in the shade so I couldn’t see or hear exactly what was happening, but I can only assume more reading, singing, and lowering the casket into the ground. Plants and flowers were handed out to some people in the crowd to decorate the grave after it was covered. As we all left the cemetery I realized how many people were gathered it had to be close to 300. As I walked away I could see a sea of people in both directions. It was very impressive. I guess many people went back to her house afterwards and they were told how she died and what from, but I didn’t feel the need. All in all it was a very pleasant ceremony. Joana obviously affected many peoples’ lives and she will be missed greatly.
Feb 10th
Teaching 9 difference turmas three times a week each can get dizzying. I forget which kids are in which class (I have at least 50 students per turma) or which class has finished which lessons (even though I write it all down). Sometimes I write something on the board, turn around, and ask the students if we’ve already done this lesson before. It wasn’t until 20 minutes into my 5th lesson today that I realized I was in the wrong class. I asked the class “Is it time for English?” “No teacher, it’s physics.” Well, none of them seemed to care that I’d taught for 20 mins and the physics teacher never came in to stop me so I kept on going.
Feb 8th
GOING NATIVE!!
Wow, so here’s my embarrassing moment of the day/ week (year? It’s still only February). So after finished doing a little yoga at my house after school, to decompress a bit from yelling at children all morning, I went outside to get some water to take a shower. Usually there’s a big line at the pump but today I was alone. It was actually kind of nice because I didn’t have to convince anyone I’m capable of pumping and carrying my own water. Anyways, I fill my 20 litre bucket and place it nicely on my head. It’s a bit heavy so I needed two hands to hold it up... Yeah, so I start walking back to my house, which honestly isn’t too far away, and I felt my shirt slipping. Nobody was around so I figured I could walk fast enough before I showed a bit too much... I was wrong. People turned the corner when I was only 20 feet from my front door. I had two options: drop the bucket and fix my top, or let it go. I’m lazy and I really didn’t want to have to pump another 20 litres. I’m in Africa, right?! Yeah, I’m glad I haven’t seen any of those neighbors again since... I think they got a little more of a show than they were prepared for.
Wow, so here’s my embarrassing moment of the day/ week (year? It’s still only February). So after finished doing a little yoga at my house after school, to decompress a bit from yelling at children all morning, I went outside to get some water to take a shower. Usually there’s a big line at the pump but today I was alone. It was actually kind of nice because I didn’t have to convince anyone I’m capable of pumping and carrying my own water. Anyways, I fill my 20 litre bucket and place it nicely on my head. It’s a bit heavy so I needed two hands to hold it up... Yeah, so I start walking back to my house, which honestly isn’t too far away, and I felt my shirt slipping. Nobody was around so I figured I could walk fast enough before I showed a bit too much... I was wrong. People turned the corner when I was only 20 feet from my front door. I had two options: drop the bucket and fix my top, or let it go. I’m lazy and I really didn’t want to have to pump another 20 litres. I’m in Africa, right?! Yeah, I’m glad I haven’t seen any of those neighbors again since... I think they got a little more of a show than they were prepared for.
Feb 7th
I feel like life at site is finally getting back to normal. At least getting back to what I feel comfortable with. I’m teaching on a regular basis, lesson planning almost constantly, drawing with the neighbour kids, cooking at least one meal a day, feeling like I actually have time to sit if that’s all I want to do... My classes are getting a little more comfortable; I’m starting to figure out about how fast each class can move so I’m able to pace myself.
On Friday I decided that not only my students but I also needed a bit of a break. I taught them the lyrics to “Hello, Goodbye” by The Beatles. It was fantastic!! They got so into it. We’ve been learning greetings in class, so when they heard them used in a song they got so excited. “Again Teacher, again!” When I would leave and start teaching another class, students would come stand at the windows and sing while the other kids were learning. It was refreshing to have to much classroom participation and enthusiasm for once this year. Also, today, when I came to school I heard students singing the song, without any prompting from me. It sounded like not only they’d remembered the lyrics but had actually practiced! Now, my mission is to come up with an entire year’s curriculum teaching solely through song. Genius! So, your homework as good blog readers, think of songs that have basic vocabulary and are relatively easy to understand, and email me!!!
This weekend was a pretty great weekend. Even though I missed a few volunteer birthday parties, the superbowl get together, and a REDES exchange up in Inhanbane, I relaxed, played, talked, planned, and got creative. I bought a bed (FINALLY!!). It’s not actually that great but it beats sleeping on a straw mat stretched over metal springs. I got a few neighbor boys together and collected sticks to make a shoe rack. They were more than confused on what was going on, sticks being held together with dental floss (no, they have no idea what dental floss actually is), but in the end they saw the whole picture. A heard a few of them say they were going to try and recreate it at their house. I planned three weeks worth of English lessons, which for me, Miss Procrastination, is a HUGE help. I met some amazing Zimbabweans who I look forward to seeing again in the future.
And I talked to one of my counterparts, Prof Silvino, about how Peace Corps has impacted his life. We were talking about what he was suppose to be teaching; Idols. He said “you mean singers?” I explained what an Idol was, and asked him who his was. His answer was Dillon, from Boston. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer at a teaching school in Xai Xai a few years back. Silvino said the way he taught, how he connected to his students, how confident he was, and how generous he was really made an impression. I spoke to another one of my students, Moises, about how Peace Corps has affected his life. He had a teacher Emily, also in Xai Xai, who helped him apply for the American Leadership Academy. He was one of the 100 finalists in all of Africa. He was so proud; it showed him that if he really tried he could accomplish a lot. I don’t know Dillon or Emily, but if I did, I’d tell them even though you may not have noticed the impact you had on a community, I can see it, and you have changed lives. Thank you. Hopefully I’m making a difference for at least a few people also.
On Friday I decided that not only my students but I also needed a bit of a break. I taught them the lyrics to “Hello, Goodbye” by The Beatles. It was fantastic!! They got so into it. We’ve been learning greetings in class, so when they heard them used in a song they got so excited. “Again Teacher, again!” When I would leave and start teaching another class, students would come stand at the windows and sing while the other kids were learning. It was refreshing to have to much classroom participation and enthusiasm for once this year. Also, today, when I came to school I heard students singing the song, without any prompting from me. It sounded like not only they’d remembered the lyrics but had actually practiced! Now, my mission is to come up with an entire year’s curriculum teaching solely through song. Genius! So, your homework as good blog readers, think of songs that have basic vocabulary and are relatively easy to understand, and email me!!!
This weekend was a pretty great weekend. Even though I missed a few volunteer birthday parties, the superbowl get together, and a REDES exchange up in Inhanbane, I relaxed, played, talked, planned, and got creative. I bought a bed (FINALLY!!). It’s not actually that great but it beats sleeping on a straw mat stretched over metal springs. I got a few neighbor boys together and collected sticks to make a shoe rack. They were more than confused on what was going on, sticks being held together with dental floss (no, they have no idea what dental floss actually is), but in the end they saw the whole picture. A heard a few of them say they were going to try and recreate it at their house. I planned three weeks worth of English lessons, which for me, Miss Procrastination, is a HUGE help. I met some amazing Zimbabweans who I look forward to seeing again in the future.
And I talked to one of my counterparts, Prof Silvino, about how Peace Corps has impacted his life. We were talking about what he was suppose to be teaching; Idols. He said “you mean singers?” I explained what an Idol was, and asked him who his was. His answer was Dillon, from Boston. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer at a teaching school in Xai Xai a few years back. Silvino said the way he taught, how he connected to his students, how confident he was, and how generous he was really made an impression. I spoke to another one of my students, Moises, about how Peace Corps has affected his life. He had a teacher Emily, also in Xai Xai, who helped him apply for the American Leadership Academy. He was one of the 100 finalists in all of Africa. He was so proud; it showed him that if he really tried he could accomplish a lot. I don’t know Dillon or Emily, but if I did, I’d tell them even though you may not have noticed the impact you had on a community, I can see it, and you have changed lives. Thank you. Hopefully I’m making a difference for at least a few people also.
Jan 18th
Sometimes all it takes are a few smiles and hugs and I can have one of the best days I can remember.
I started school this morning, and to my surprise we actually started- there were students when the bell rang at 7:00! Typically on the first day nobody really shows up- students or teachers. Today was different. I taught 5 classes and in all but one of them I had at least 15 students. At first everyone was pretty quiet, probably a mixture of it being the first day and them not understanding a word I was saying, but they got into it after awhile. We sang the alphabet and almost everyone was totally into it. I think I’m really going to like this teaching-younger-kids thing.
I was done by noon so that felt fantastic. I spent the afternoon on my veranda, talking with kids that came by to play and making friends with one of the puppies that’s been afraid of me. Lote and Rafito, the brother-sister duo who lives next door, have become part of my daily life. They come over, come inside to say hi, chit chat (granted I still can’t understand a word either of them says except ‘Mana Ana!’) and play around on the veranda. I helped Lote eat her bag of ice which she was spilling all over herself, and then she and I took a walk around the neighborhood. I went back to their house and sat outside on a mattress and joked around, let them climb all over me, and just laughed. I don’t know how to describe it- usually the kids play around me not really with me, but today I was right in the middle of it all. It felt nice to have them run up to me and not want to let go, or to crawl into my lap, throw their arms around my neck and lay their head on my chest. It really feels like I’m part of something here, not so much an outsider anymore. Granted I’m saying that after spending an afternoon with children no older than 8, none of whom can speak English or Portuguese, but still, it was nice.
I started school this morning, and to my surprise we actually started- there were students when the bell rang at 7:00! Typically on the first day nobody really shows up- students or teachers. Today was different. I taught 5 classes and in all but one of them I had at least 15 students. At first everyone was pretty quiet, probably a mixture of it being the first day and them not understanding a word I was saying, but they got into it after awhile. We sang the alphabet and almost everyone was totally into it. I think I’m really going to like this teaching-younger-kids thing.
I was done by noon so that felt fantastic. I spent the afternoon on my veranda, talking with kids that came by to play and making friends with one of the puppies that’s been afraid of me. Lote and Rafito, the brother-sister duo who lives next door, have become part of my daily life. They come over, come inside to say hi, chit chat (granted I still can’t understand a word either of them says except ‘Mana Ana!’) and play around on the veranda. I helped Lote eat her bag of ice which she was spilling all over herself, and then she and I took a walk around the neighborhood. I went back to their house and sat outside on a mattress and joked around, let them climb all over me, and just laughed. I don’t know how to describe it- usually the kids play around me not really with me, but today I was right in the middle of it all. It felt nice to have them run up to me and not want to let go, or to crawl into my lap, throw their arms around my neck and lay their head on my chest. It really feels like I’m part of something here, not so much an outsider anymore. Granted I’m saying that after spending an afternoon with children no older than 8, none of whom can speak English or Portuguese, but still, it was nice.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Jan 17th
Feels good to be back in the swing of things. School opening was today- it was a pretty typical ceremony- long, hot, somewhat confusing, and conducted in several languages- but it was enjoyable. It was nice to be back with the other teachers, to see some of my old students, and to be recognized rather than stared at. The jarring part of today came when I was told I’d be teaching 8th and 9th grade in the mornings, rather than 12th grade in the afternoon as I’d expected. I was pretty frazzled at first- I was prepared for the 12th graders, their enthusiasm, their knowledge base, their (relative) maturity- and I was all ready to use lesson plans from last year I’ve been compiling. However, in the last 8 hours I’ve become pretty excited about the little guys- I’ve already planned my first 9 lessons and I have the first trimester laid out. I get to teach the alphabet, ‘to be’, colors, body parts, greetings, all the basic stuff, and I can dance around and sing songs and even if they think I’m weird and crazy, they’re young enough they won’t be too cool to join in. I guess one downside is that I’m teaching 30 hours, everyday from 7:00 til 12:00, but at least I have my afternoons and nights free.
I’m not sure how to backtrack and get through what’s happened in the last 2 months... Classes finished, I controlled tests, graded said tests, said goodbye to students, met the new PCVs who arrived in country in October, threw a beach party for the new volunteers, took over complete control of REDES (yikes!), went to South Africa to pick up Will who happened to get stuck in London, spent Christmas with my new family, spent New Years with Will (finally) at the beautiful beach, saw 4 of the big 5 in Kruger, took several hot showers and ate home cooked American food, and... well, started year 2 of being a volunteer.
The last few months have been anything but dull and have taught me a lot about how far I’ve come in the last year. When my brother was here, I was about to show him around, to let him into my life here in Africa. It was fantastic when he met my adoptive families, when he saw my house and my school, walked through the market with me, met my friends, and saw the beautiful country I live in. It felt somewhat like two worlds colliding at moments- I kept having to remember my little brother was actually visiting me in Africa!- but absolutely wonderful. The holidays definitely made me miss home, but coming out the other side and starting school is helping with the homesickness.
Kruger was great!! I didn’t take but one picture, but my brother took at least 2,000 while he was here so I’ll find a way to link you to them if you’re interested in looking. The first few moments in the park we drove upon zebras, impala, water buffalo, and elephants. A few minutes later we ran into giraffes and a rhino. It was crazy!!! And so many monkeys! I’m so glad I finally made it there and I had the best time with Will. It was so hard to leave him at the airport- I wanted to jump on the plane with him.
This year is going to be so different from what I’ve been used to. My teaching schedule is completely different, I’m in charge of one of the biggest secondary projects in the country, it’s the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps and I’m on the planning committee, I can finally speak Portuguese and will be learning Changana, I have friends and family, and I’m for the most part comfortable here. I still have my moments of thinking “what the hell did I get myself into here!” but not as many as before. I promise, now that I’m back in school and FINALLY on a schedule, I’ll start writing more blogs and try to keep you up to date.
Oh, one thing- when I came home I found 5 puppies in my backyard. They’re still somewhat scared of me but I think I’m going to get the best of them- I don’t have to feed them or take care of them but they watch over my house and I get company when I want it. I’m kinda scared to name them because they have the potential to get stolen but we’ll see.
I’m not sure how to backtrack and get through what’s happened in the last 2 months... Classes finished, I controlled tests, graded said tests, said goodbye to students, met the new PCVs who arrived in country in October, threw a beach party for the new volunteers, took over complete control of REDES (yikes!), went to South Africa to pick up Will who happened to get stuck in London, spent Christmas with my new family, spent New Years with Will (finally) at the beautiful beach, saw 4 of the big 5 in Kruger, took several hot showers and ate home cooked American food, and... well, started year 2 of being a volunteer.
The last few months have been anything but dull and have taught me a lot about how far I’ve come in the last year. When my brother was here, I was about to show him around, to let him into my life here in Africa. It was fantastic when he met my adoptive families, when he saw my house and my school, walked through the market with me, met my friends, and saw the beautiful country I live in. It felt somewhat like two worlds colliding at moments- I kept having to remember my little brother was actually visiting me in Africa!- but absolutely wonderful. The holidays definitely made me miss home, but coming out the other side and starting school is helping with the homesickness.
Kruger was great!! I didn’t take but one picture, but my brother took at least 2,000 while he was here so I’ll find a way to link you to them if you’re interested in looking. The first few moments in the park we drove upon zebras, impala, water buffalo, and elephants. A few minutes later we ran into giraffes and a rhino. It was crazy!!! And so many monkeys! I’m so glad I finally made it there and I had the best time with Will. It was so hard to leave him at the airport- I wanted to jump on the plane with him.
This year is going to be so different from what I’ve been used to. My teaching schedule is completely different, I’m in charge of one of the biggest secondary projects in the country, it’s the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps and I’m on the planning committee, I can finally speak Portuguese and will be learning Changana, I have friends and family, and I’m for the most part comfortable here. I still have my moments of thinking “what the hell did I get myself into here!” but not as many as before. I promise, now that I’m back in school and FINALLY on a schedule, I’ll start writing more blogs and try to keep you up to date.
Oh, one thing- when I came home I found 5 puppies in my backyard. They’re still somewhat scared of me but I think I’m going to get the best of them- I don’t have to feed them or take care of them but they watch over my house and I get company when I want it. I’m kinda scared to name them because they have the potential to get stolen but we’ll see.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Passing
When I arrived home after Katie and Michael’s trip I received news that Dona Joana, a woman who worked at my school and had been teaching me Changana, passed away on Sunday morning. She’d been sick in the hospital for about a week, but I’m not sure what she had. The funeral is scheduled for tomorrow, but today I went with two other women from my school, Dona Alda and Dona Augusta, to Dona Joana’s house to pay our respects. Although I have seen many of these gatherings, I’ve never participated. It was quite an experience. When we arrived it sat in complete silence for about 45 minutes. All the women were sitting on straw mats on the ground on one side of the yard and all the men were in chairs on the other side of the yard. After awhile, women started to sing. It was all in Changana but I did catch some words. Dona Joana’s daughters, whom I know, and several other women were laying down in the middle of the group. At one point a woman started crying and wailing and screaming. A bit later, an older woman, started to sob right next to me. It broke my heart- I believe it was her mother. A few minutes later all the daughters started to cry and started yelling “Mama! Mama!” Everyone started cry then. It was so hard to sit there and listen to these women’s pain. After I was there for about 2 ½ hours I excused myself and came home. I was very happy to be there, to experience it and to show my support, but my heart was breaking. Apparently just after I left her body was brought to the house to be cleaned and prepared for tomorrow. I don’t know if I was ready for that. Also, as strange as this may sound, I was somewhat relieved (reassured?) to see so many women showing emotions in public. After the death of my student, when I saw not one tear or bit of emotion, I was a bit befuddled.
Another bit of unsettling news I learned on Sunday, Christine, Eloite and Rafito’s mom also my empregada, is sick in the hospital in Chokwe. She’s been there for over a week now, and I don’t know much about her condition, except she’s not coming home anytime soon. I go over to her house and visit the women that are there taking care of her children and I’m planning on going to Chokwe as soon as I can to try and visit her. At this moment, I can admit that I’m honestly scared that she won’t make it through, but I’m channeling all my good and healthy thoughts her way.
Another bit of unsettling news I learned on Sunday, Christine, Eloite and Rafito’s mom also my empregada, is sick in the hospital in Chokwe. She’s been there for over a week now, and I don’t know much about her condition, except she’s not coming home anytime soon. I go over to her house and visit the women that are there taking care of her children and I’m planning on going to Chokwe as soon as I can to try and visit her. At this moment, I can admit that I’m honestly scared that she won’t make it through, but I’m channeling all my good and healthy thoughts her way.
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